A hundred or so years ago Bournemouth was a magical spa town, where royalty, celebrities and the well-to-do flocked to enjoy the pine-scented air; sunny weather — by British standards — seven miles of sandy beach at Sandbanks; and the UK’s first spa hotel. Some of the town's charm has undoubtedly faded, but it’s definitely still here. The donkey rrides on the beach have gone, but the beautiful old spa hotel is now the Town Hall, so more accessible to all, and the golden beach is much cleaner. Just as in the town’s golden age, the best places to stay in Bournemouth are a varied collection of sea-view guesthouses, family-friendly beach hotels, and more luxurious escapes. Some of our picks still offer the opportunity for a spa hotel pampering too, with contemporary wellness menus and spa treatments.

Some of our Bournemouth collections:

• Bournemouth Hotels with Parking

For a while Bournemouth was a bit too popular with hen and stag dos, but its growing population of surfers and students has softened the party atmosphere, and now the town has a more bohemian vibe when compared to other old seaside resorts. This means you can expect interesting theatrical offerings, ever-changing gallery and exhibition spaces and many more independent shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as friendly nightlife and plenty of opportunity to let your hair down at the beach.

Just don't forget that this town is busy not only in the summer months but in off season too. To guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Bournemouth, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Bournemouth

For Romantics

• 10 Castle Street is a gloriously grand-looking country house hotel conversion in idyllically countryside Cranbourne, which is just outside Bournemouth. The red-brick house is pleasantly symmetrical, surrounded by formal gardens and ancient woodland. Within, there are just nine rooms and suites, all individually decorated with beautiful fabrics, and a stylish, but relaxed, colour scheme. Our Gurus like the lushly green lounge and field-to-plate restaurant.
• The Green House is a stylishly simple and eco-friendly choice, just a few hundred metres from the beach. The Grade II listed exterior sets the scene, with its huge windows and high ceilings, but there’s a contemporary edge to the interiors which feature designer wallpapers, lots of local slate and stone, and lots of solid hardwood. Don't miss the 2AA Rosette Arbor Restaurant.

For Families

• The Orchid Hotel is a friendly choice in the quiet, yet central, neighbourhood of Eastcliff, which is just a few blocks back from the beach. These 31 rooms and suites are decorated with contemporary simplicity and cheery pops of contemporary art and colourful design; the bathrooms are spacious and very up-to-date. The restaurant is headed up by a Michelin-starred chef, but it’s far from fussy. Well priced.

For Great Value

• Langtry Manor is a 19th manor house with Tudor-referencing timber details, turned 14 room hotel. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated with a collection of antiques and more contemporary pieces, including the beautiful drawing room and restaurant. Our Gurus like the huge old fireplace, bay windows and stained glass, and the large garden. The rates are very reasonable too.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Bournemouth has its own airport: Bournemouth Airport, which is only about ten minutes drive from the centre of town, or half an hour on the B1 bus. If you’re travelling by train via London, trains leave from Waterloo, and take about two hours.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Bournemouth is most popular in the summer, when its festival season really takes off and during the school holidays. It’s the kind of place families return to year after year. But if you’re not restricted by having to travel during the school holiday window you’re going to benefit from very affordable accommodation options, and having the place to yourself. The weather is changeable whatever the season, but there’s still plenty of sunshine in winter.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in Dorset
• Consider some of Bournemouth’s neighbours — possibly Poole or Lymington in the New Forest
• Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best sea view hotels in Dorset, the best pubs-with-rooms in Dorset or the best beach hotels in Dorset
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.